Manufacturing Engineer

Buckhorn Inc; Springfield, Branson (MO, MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckhorn Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer in Springfield, MO to optimize plant operations and equipment performance. You will collaborate with the Plant Manager and Technical Services to reduce costs and improve safety, quality, and productivity.

The role requires 7–10 years in manufacturing, cross-functional project leadership, and a strong continuous improvement mindset. CAD skills and data-driven problem solving are essential, with on-call responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent technical education.
• Demonstrated experience in a manufacturing environment with 7–10 years preferred.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage projects.
• Track record of driving efficiency improvements and cost reductions.
• Strong continuous improvement mindset and teamwork.
• Well organized, self-starter with time management skills.
• Ability to read electrical, mechanical and hydraulic schematics and CAD drawings.

Responsibilities

• Work with other departments to improve safety, quality and production processes.
• Apply lean, Six Sigma and A-3 problem solving to enhance quality and reduce costs.
• Plan and lead cross-functional capital and improvement projects.
• Identify root causes using statistical methods and implement cost-saving changes.
• Promote data-driven decisions over opinions.
• Introduce new equipment, methods and processes to improve operations.
• Design tests and calculate process capabilities to meet standards.
• Support process automation and reduce downtime.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

A-3 problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Data-driven decisions

Project management

Analytical skills

CAD

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CAD software

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Outlook

Job description

At Buckhorn, we manufacture strong, durable products with people whose commitment to our customers and work ethic are second to none. Our culture of ownership and transparency empowers our team to achieve goals they didn’t think possible. We are committed to providing an environment for employees to grow and succeed while creating a space where people are respected and enjoy coming to work. Our stability and market leadership are due to our team’s openness, collaboration, and willingness to take on tough challenges. For those ready to grow with us, it will be a rewarding journey – and we’re just getting started.

The Manufacturing Engineer works closely with the Plant Manager and Technical Services team to maximize efficiencies of plant operations while optimizing plant run time. This role is responsible for applying knowledge of engineering theory, manufacturing methods and problem-solving techniques to improve operating equipment performance and related processes. The successful candidate will work in conjunction with production, maintenance, quality and engineering departments to improve safety, quality, productivity, and reduce costs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work in conjunction with other departments to improve safety, quality and production processes, reduce delays, increase efficiency and reduce cost
• Apply continuous improvement methods such as lean manufacturing, six sigma and A-3 problem solving techniques to enhance manufacturing quality, reliability and cost effectiveness
• Identify, plan and lead cross-functional capital and improvement projects
• Determine root causes of failures using statistical methods and recommend changes in designs, tolerances or processing methods to avoid re-occurrences
• Promote decision driven by data instead of opinions
• Introduce new equipment, methods and processes to improve existing operations
• Design testing methods and calculate process capabilities to establish standards or validate process requirements
• Design, develop, and implement control systems to improve production cycle times, product quality, equipment performance, down-time reduction and process automation
• Utilize statistical means to optimize and improve performance
• Analyze process performance data and identify trends, runs, to reduce process variation
• Participate and contribute to the achievement of department goals including goal setting
• Identify and solve chronic/repetitive problems and failures
• On call 24 hours a day 7 days a week

Must Have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent technical education
• 7-10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated success working in and/or leading cross functional teams including project management
• Proven track record of driving significant efficiency improvements and cost reduction efforts
• Passionate about continuous improvement and teamwork
• Well organized self-starter skilled in time management
• Ability to interpret electrical, mechanical and hydraulic schematics
• Ability to utilize CAD to update plant floor layouts and review tooling/part drawings

Nice to Have:

• Experience in injection molding or plastic processing, such as industrial packaging, material handling, plastic containers, pallets or packaging-centric

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with opposing opinions and capable of leading team towards best outcome
• Proficient in computer aided design (CAD)
• Ability to do two mathematical operations to arrive at the solution.
• Thorough knowledge of problem-solving techniques, brainstorming, kaizen events, value stream mapping, focusing on win-win solutions
• Creative problem solver with high degree of analytical skills
• Project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and stay on budget
• Ability to develop project charters along with timing and cost for capital projects
• Ability to support the Quality department in Root Cause Analysis and corrective actions
• Product knowledge regarding specifications and quality requirements